Objective: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) have been increasingly recognized in the critically ill over the past decade, and the number of published studies has exploded in recent years. Interpretation of the results and comparison of these studies is difficult, because of incomplete and inconsistent reporting of data and statistics.
Design: An international consensus group of multidisciplinary specialists convened at the third World Congress on Abdominal Compartment Syndrome to develop recommendations for research related to the diagnosis and management of IAH and ACS.
Methods: Prior to the conference the authors developed a blueprint for consensus definitions and treatment guidelines which were refined both during and after the conference.
Results: Three major types of studies were identified (measurement techniques, epidemiology, and interventions), each with different needs regarding methodology, reporting of data and statistical analysis.
Conclusions: These recommendations are proposed to guide clinical research in the field of IAH and ACS.